Fix Formatting Partition Fat32 Dual-Boot Linux/Windows SSD/HDD (GPT) - Error Partition 1 EFI Uses Linux Partition 2 (120GB) - Linux Installed, Rest Created Windows 10 Installer (Never Happened)

Fix Formatting Partition Errors: Dual-Boot Linux/Windows SSD/HDD (GPT) - Error Partition 1 EFI Uses Linux Partition 2 (120GB) - Linux Installed, Rest Created Windows 10 Installer (Never Happened)

Dual-booting Linux and Windows on a single machine can be a complex process, especially when dealing with partitioning the SSD and HDD. This article aims to provide a detailed guide on fixing the formatting partition errors that can occur during a Linux/Windows dual-boot setup, using GPT. Specifically, we will tackle the issue where Partition 1 EFI uses Linux Partition 2 (120GB), while Linux is installed, and the rest is created as a Windows 10 installer (that never happened).

Understanding GPT and Dual-Boot Setup

GPT (GUID Partition Table) is a standard for the layout of partition tables of a physical hard disk. GPT is more flexible than the older MBR (Master Boot Record) standard and is preferred for newer systems, especially those with more than 4 primary partitions or large disks (greater than 2 TB).

A typical dual-boot setup involves partitioning the disk into at least two partitions: one for the first operating system (OS) and another for the second OS. The partitions can be on the same disk or split between multiple disks. In our case, we will be focusing on a configuration with the primary OS, Linux, installed on the SSD and the secondary OS, Windows, on the HDD.

Identifying the Partition Errors

Let's start by identifying the partition errors. Boot your system and access the disk management tool (Disk Management in Windows or gparted in Linux). Verify that the partitions are set up as follows:

• Partition 1: EFI System Partition (~100-500 MB, formatted as FAT32)
• Partition 2: Linux Root Partition (120 GB, formatted according to your Linux distribution)
• Partition 3: Windows Root Partition (remaining space, unformatted)

If you find that Partition 1 EFI uses Linux Partition 2 (120GB) instead, it's time to fix the formatting partition errors. Perform the following steps in Windows:

Fixing Formatting Partition Errors in Windows

First, you need to delete the incorrectly formatted Linux partition (Partition 2).

Deleting Partition 2

1. Launch the Disk Management tool.
2. Right-click on Partition 2 and select Delete Volume.
3. Confirm the deletion.

Next, re-create the Linux partition (Partition 2).

Re-creating Partition 2

1. Right-click on the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume.
2. Follow the wizard, setting the size to 120 GB and formatting it as per your Linux distribution's requirements (typically ext4).
3. Once complete, you will now have Partition 2 set up correctly.

Finally, create the Windows partition (Partition 3) using the remaining unallocated space.

Creating Partition 3

1. Right-click on the remaining unallocated space and select New Simple Volume.
2. Follow the wizard, formatting it as NTFS.
3. Once complete, you will have Partition 3 set up correctly.

References

• Windows and GPT FAQ
• GRUB Manual - EFI Partitioning